Are you troubled by aches, pains and injuries? Most golfers have a problem or two at some time. Here, one of the region's top experts Dr Thomas Feeney (BS DC ART) of Whitley Bay Chiropractic Practice continues his series of top tips on how to avoid trouble.

Do you have problems with neck injuries when golfing? Here's how to avoid them.

Keeping your head down and focussing on the golf ball when swinging may improve your accuracy.

It also may lead to problems for your neck, shoulders and hands.

The stress of unnaturally keeping your head straight when swinging is directed to the bones and joints of your neck.

This will lead to degeneration of the spine and many possible problems.

But there are some things you can do to help prevent a problem from developing.

Stretching the shoulder joints is vital in taking pressure off the neck.

The lack of flexibility of the shoulder muscles and capsule will cause the end-range of the back swing to decrease and become less fluid.

The golfer will attempt to compensate by forcing the back swing back at the top of the arc.

The first thing any amateur will notice about a professional's swing is the effortlessness and fluidity.

Most amateur golfers have physical limitations, which affect their swing.

The amateur needs to work on the physical barriers of his or her own anatomy before attempting to develop a consistent fluid swing.

Before playing, and on off days, stretch after you have spent at least five minutes taking very easy swings and doing some light circular movements of both shoulders.

To find the most useful stretches, use your imagination and contort your shoulder to the end-range in one direction until a LIGHT pull is felt and hold it for 15 seconds.

Having a wall or anything solid to hold on to will help.

A stretch needs to be felt to be effective. Test your motions to determine which direction is limited and focus on improving it.

Pulling your arm in front of your neck is often a stretch, which is needed.

Hearing and feeling pops and clicks is very common.

Generally, it is only a concern if the pop or click is directly associated with pain or numbness.

Stretching the neck itself is done in much the same manner, although rolling motions are best to be avoided.

You can use your hand to lightly increase most stretches of your neck. Do not rush through stretching as it takes time to have any significant benefit.

Often, the result of neck degeneration is not neck pain, but is irritation of a nerve. The symptoms can vary from shoulder pain and weakness to numb hands.

As with any advice, always be aware that your personal circumstances may require a medical professional's advice before commencing a new exercise program.